Clearance issue – how long can the ball mount be. 18’Tandem trailer – receiver type hitch -2’’ ball. 36 inches from front of trailer to where the ball goes in. I’m going to haul a 79 ford pickup from Montana on trail behind a 2010 Toyota Tundra. I’m Concern about clearance between truck bed and vehicle being hauled when making turns. How long can the ball mount be and not cause other issues.

asked by: James A

Expert Reply:

If the trailer has an A-frame tongue on it, you should be in good shape unless you need to make a very tight 90 degree turn. We offer several different ball mounts in extended lengths. The longest ball mounts typically have a lower weight capacity.

You will be best served getting the longest ball mount you can that has a capacity that exceeds the loaded weight of your trailer plus its load. If the trailer weight is not known, you can use a scale at a truck stop and have it weighed for a small fee. Make sure the capacity of the trailer ball used also exceeds the weight of the loaded trailer.

Part # 80232 for example, has a 3/4 inch rise or a 2 inch drop and is 16 inches in length when measured from the hitch pin hole to the ball hole. This ball mount has a 6000 lb capacity. Part # BM20 has the same rise/ drop and is 13-1/4 inches long with a 7500 lb capacity.

I have provided links to our extended length ball mounts, as well as a link to our FAQ article that shows how to measure for the correct ball mount rise/ drop.

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